Monthly Archives: August 2014

With a Georgian church as a demure backdrop, a few unremarkable, tubby middle-aged men stare grimly into the camera. At first glance, this might seem a photo of devout pilgrims. But it is not. The beer-bellied men pictured are alleged Georgian crime-bosses, and they are busy doing what Georgian crime-bosses have learned to do since the collapse of the Soviet era — adapt to change, and survive.

Russia intends to continue to build up military and nuclear capabilities. This is required for security, not for attacks, he said. Estimating the actions of the Ukrainian military in south-eastern Ukraine, Putin drew a parallel with the tactics of fascist forces in the Soviet Union during Second World War

Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the “militia of Novorossiya.” The text of his address appeared on the Kremlin website on Friday night, August 29. Putin rarely makes such addresses, especially at night. Putin’s previous unscheduled address appeared soon after the crash of the Malaysian Boeing in the Donetsk region

Press StatementJohn KerrySecretary of State
Washington, DC
August 28, 2014

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of Slovakia as you celebrate the 22nd anniversary of your constitution on September 1.

Slovakia and the United States are linked by the ideals enshrined in both our constitutions. We are bound, in the words of your Ustava, by “endeavoring to implement a democratic form of government, to guarantee a life of freedom, and to promote spiritual culture and economic prosperity.”

Slovakia is both a leader in Eastern Europe and around the world. You lead through your presidency of the Visegrad Group. You lead through your mentorship of Eastern Partnership countries. And you lead through your contributions to NATO missions, including sending Slovak troops to serve side by side with American troops on the front lines in Afghanistan.

I extend best wishes for peace and prosperity for the years to come.

The Office of Website Management, Bureau of Public Affairs, manages this site as a portal for information from the U.S. State Department.External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.

Press StatementJohn KerrySecretary of State
Washington, DC
August 28, 2014

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of Slovakia as you celebrate the 22nd anniversary of your constitution on September 1.

Slovakia and the United States are linked by the ideals enshrined in both our constitutions. We are bound, in the words of your Ustava, by “endeavoring to implement a democratic form of government, to guarantee a life of freedom, and to promote spiritual culture and economic prosperity.”

Slovakia is both a leader in Eastern Europe and around the world. You lead through your presidency of the Visegrad Group. You lead through your mentorship of Eastern Partnership countries. And you lead through your contributions to NATO missions, including sending Slovak troops to serve side by side with American troops on the front lines in Afghanistan.

I extend best wishes for peace and prosperity for the years to come.

The Office of Website Management, Bureau of Public Affairs, manages this site as a portal for information from the U.S. State Department.External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.

It’s not often that a senior government minister in a European Union member state makes an overtly racist joke on live TV, still rarer that he keeps his job and indeed escapes any sort of censure after doing so.

It’s not often that a senior government minister in a European Union member state makes an overtly racist joke on live TV, still rarer that he keeps his job and indeed escapes any sort of censure after doing so.

We condemn the August 21 beating in Nakhchivan City, Azerbaijan of noted civil society activist Ilgar Nasibov, Director of the NGO Democracy Support Center, who is currently hospitalized in grave condition. Mr. Nasibov has been a well-respected civil society activist and human rights defender for more than ten years.

We understand that in this case the police responded immediately, and the prosecutor’s office has initiated an investigation. We support a swift, full, and transparent investigation and prompt disclosure of whether criminal charges will be brought against the perpetrators. We urge that those responsible be brought to justice, and call on the Azerbaijani government to take immediate steps to protect fundamental freedoms of expression, assembly, and association.

The Office of Website Management, Bureau of Public Affairs, manages this site as a portal for information from the U.S. State Department.External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.

We condemn the August 21 beating in Nakhchivan City, Azerbaijan of noted civil society activist Ilgar Nasibov, Director of the NGO Democracy Support Center, who is currently hospitalized in grave condition. Mr. Nasibov has been a well-respected civil society activist and human rights defender for more than ten years.

We understand that in this case the police responded immediately, and the prosecutor’s office has initiated an investigation. We support a swift, full, and transparent investigation and prompt disclosure of whether criminal charges will be brought against the perpetrators. We urge that those responsible be brought to justice, and call on the Azerbaijani government to take immediate steps to protect fundamental freedoms of expression, assembly, and association.

The Office of Website Management, Bureau of Public Affairs, manages this site as a portal for information from the U.S. State Department.External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.

The 19-year-old Azerbaijani man claims he awoke one morning in mid-August to the sound and feel of gasoline splashing on his body and his mother angrily screaming. Through a sleepy haze, he saw her burning a piece of paper. Suddenly, he alleged, his mother’s intentions became clear; he was about to be burned to death for being homosexual.